First half of ‘03: Hard to repeat last year’s growth

By Internet RetailerInternet Retailer

Recap of the first half in online retailing.

Online retail sales were up 15% in the first half of this year vs. first half of last year, reports comScore Networks Inc.’s Media Metrix division, reaching $22.7 billion. While impressive growth, it’s only half of last year’s first-half growth rate of 29%. Meanwhile, the Commerce Department reported online sales growth in the first half of 27%. ComScore says the difference is the result of the Commerce Department including auto sales in its numbers. Channel shift is happening in online travel sales as well, with first half travel bookings up 34% vs. a year ago. Here’s comScore’s story about online retail and travel activity in the first half: